Party Drink Calculator
Use the Party Drink Calculator to figure out exactly how much alcohol you need based on the number of guests.
Use this Party Drink Calculator to estimate the number of beers, wine bottles, liters of liquor, and soft drinks needed for your event. Input guest count, party duration, and drink preferences for accurate planning and minimal waste.
Beers (12 oz)
Quantity: 160
Wine Bottles (750 ml)
Quantity: 29
Liquor (liters)
Quantity: 10
Soft Drinks (12 oz)
Quantity: 500
Want to Budget Drinks?
Check our Alcohol Cost Calculator to estimate the cost of your party drinks based on bottle prices and pour sizes.
About the Party Drink Calculator
The Party Drink Calculator helps you plan the ideal amount of beer, wine, liquor, and soft drinks for your event. Input guest count, duration, and drink preferences to ensure everyone is satisfied while minimizing waste.
How to Use the Event Drink Calculator
- Enter the total number of guests.
- Input the party duration in hours.
- Specify the percentage of guests drinking beer, wine, liquor, and soft drinks.
- Click “Calculate Drinks” to view estimated quantities.
Science Behind Drink Planning
Drink planning uses average consumption rates:
- Beer: 1 beer (12 oz) per drinker per hour.
- Wine: 1 bottle (750 ml, ~5 glasses) per 2.15 drinkers, halved for overlap.
- Liquor: 0.5 liters per drinker for the party.
- Soft Drinks: 1 drink (12 oz) per guest per hour, plus 1 extra.
If drinker percentages are provided, specific formulas apply; otherwise, a general estimation allocates 40% beers, 60% of remaining for wine, and the rest for liquor shots. Results are rounded up for practicality. See The Kitchn’s party planning guide for more.
Common Party Scenarios
Estimated drinks for typical parties (4 hours):
Small Gathering (20 guests)
32 beers, 6 wine bottles, 2L liquor, 100 soft drinks
Medium Party (50 guests)
80 beers, 14 wine bottles, 5L liquor, 250 soft drinks
Large Event (100 guests)
160 beers, 29 wine bottles, 10L liquor, 500 soft drinks
Frequently Asked Questions About Party Drink Planning
How does the Party Drink Calculator work?
The Party Drink Calculator estimates drinks using guest count, duration, and drinker percentages, applying formulas like 1 beer per hour, 1 wine bottle per 2.15 drinkers (halved), 0.5L liquor per drinker, and 1 soft drink per hour plus 1 extra.
How many drinks should I plan per guest?
Plan 1 drink per guest per hour (e.g., 4 drinks for a 4-hour party), split into 40% beers, 60% of remaining as wine glasses (5 per bottle), and the rest as liquor shots, with soft drinks at 1 per hour plus 1 extra.
Why use a Party Drink Calculator?
The Party Drink Calculator ensures you purchase the right amount of drinks, reducing waste and keeping guests satisfied by accounting for various drink preferences and event sizes.
Does the calculator include non-alcoholic drinks?
Yes, it estimates soft drinks at 1 per guest per hour plus 1 extra, ensuring all guests, including non-drinkers, are covered for the event duration.
How accurate is the Party Drink Calculator?
The calculator is accurate for average consumption with correct inputs. Variations in guest preferences or event type may affect results, so consider rounding up or adjusting based on your event’s needs.